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Video: Patriots vs. Colts

Email|Link|Comments (3) Posted by Chris Forsberg, Boston.com Staff October 30, 2008 02:30 PM

As the Patriots prepare to meet the Colts on Sunday night in Indianapolis, Globe football writers Mike Reiss and Chris Gasper offer their insight on the matchup.

Click the "full entry" link below to watch the videos or check out written summaries.

Gasper: 3 things to watch vs. Colts

Written summary:

1) Defending TE Dallas Clark. Safety Rodney Harrison did a commendable job last year. Who gets the call this year? Lewis Sanders, Brandon Meriweather and Jerod Mayo are options.
2) Handling the noise. The Patriots can expect a raucous environment, and that could impact offensive tackles against the Colts tough speed rushers, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.
3) Pass rush. Getting to Peyton Manning is usually a challenge, but the Patriots have to at least pressure him and move him off the spot.

Reiss: Key matchup vs. Colts

Written summary:

It might not be the same matchup of AFC powerhouses, but the challenge remains the same for the Patriots -- how to stop DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.
Tackles Matt Light and Nick Kaczur/Mark LeVoir will naturally have their hands full, and that's where the improved blocking of tight ends Benjamin Watson and David Thomas could help.
It goes without saying -- limit Freeney (3 sacks) and Mathis (5 sacks), and the chances of winning improve greatly.

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3 comments so far...

get past the colt's o-line and manning crumbles, self implodes, self destructs.

Posted by Alex October 30, 08 02:47 PM

Sorry Mike but now the Colts are outside I haven't seen the noise be a factor this year. In fact one game it sounded like the Bears were the home team.

Posted by Lance October 30, 08 03:43 PM

Yes, Lance I too was struck by how eerily quiet the new Indy stadium was. To be accurate, the Lucas Oil (who are they?) stadium features a retractable roof I believe, but even with the roof closed its nothing compared the acoustic nightmare that was the RCA dome. The may have gained a 1st class sports venue "experience", but lost a big competitive advantage in the process.

Sound familiar Celtic and Pats fans? (no pun intended)

Posted by mikeinNH October 30, 08 06:48 PM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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